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Fort Mitchel

The 24 acre star shaped Fort Mitchel is one of the largest in the world and it was the cutting edge of military technology when it was completed around 1850. The points of the star shape meant that defenders could arc fire over all parts of the island, making the whole island one effective kill zone. Should anyone get close enough to the Fort, flanking galleries made for ideal sniper positions hovering over enemy troops. And the whole Fort is set down in such a way that it can barely be seen by enemy troops, making it almost impossible to target.

The fort was designed and built by General Vallency, a character of his time who had 4 wives and 14 children. ​

The work on the Fort began in 1804 when the threat of invasion from Napoleon was very real but it was left incomplete with his defeat at Waterloo. Two earlier forts had been built before hand as the strategic importance of Spike Island was noticed long before Winston Chruchill would call the island 'The sentinel tower of the approaches to Western Europe'.

On its completion the Fort was designed to garrison up to 3000 men, but the famine years drove up the prisoner population and Spike instead had to keep men in rather than keep them out.

The last of the prisoners left in the late 1800's and the Fort was used by both the British and Irish army and Navy over much of the 20th century before becoming a prison again in 1985.

The Fort originally called Fort Westmoreland but it was renamed Fort Mitchel after the Nationalist hero who was a prisoner on Spike in the 1840s.

Today visitors can go through the walls of the fort to the enormous parade ground inside, and many of the buildings and tunnels can be explored as part of you trip to Spike Island.

Gift Vouchers

Our new souvenir audioplayer is a first – developed by In Hand Guides, a Cork based company, it is the first site in the world using their new beacon technology, which activates the player hands free as you walk around.
Available in 4 languages English, Irish, French, German.

Hear about prisoners' escapes, the toughness of the regime, the handing over from British rule, the firing of the 6 inch guns and more in the 40 audio tracks. The player is yours to keep and makes a great souvenir.

We visited for a day trip in Sept 2015 after hearing fab reviews from family members. A beautiful historical island with stunning views of Cobh harbour and the Irish Naval base.
The ferry trip out was lovely as it was a beautiful day. Our tour guide John was very knowledgable and had a real passion for the islands history which made the experience so much better for us.
The tour is split into 2 sections with a coffee break in between, there is a coffee shop on the Island that sells beautiful local cakes

Nicola D

Ireland

Great Tour of the Island. My Family and I visited Spike Island (February) and we all found it very interesting. The trip on the ferry accross was great and we were lucky it was a dry day. You would have to wrap up though as it is quite cold. We found it very interesting. Some of it was derelict and more of it was modernised as it was used as a prison. For history lovers it is a great place to go. The views of Cobh from the Island are magnificent.

Caroline D

Cork

Went over to Spike Island during the summer. What a great day out, very interesting place, great walks and a big field if you wanted too chill out or if the kids want to play. It has a shop so you can get food and drinks. You could make a whole day out of it, there was more added to it during the year so can't wait to go over again this summer, would highly recommend it.

Yvonne

Ireland

We had the pleasure & experience of visiting Spike Island on a day trip the journey from Cobh harbour was by ferry, the crew were great giving information & answering questions. Our tour guide was brilliant, an ex navy man himself, spent time with all. He really got across the history of Spike. A day trip everyone should try at least once. Prices were very reasonable for souvenirs & the coffee shop. We will definitely go again well done to the people of Cobh for having & maintaining such a famous landmark.